Session Profile: Andre Hanimägi

The political position focuses heavily on social equality and improving regional policy, opposing the government’s tax reform, which widens the income gap. The speaker demands free access to basic education throughout Estonia and also serves as the rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee during the handling of a sensitive security-related bill (KiKoS), stressing constitutional compliance. The overall stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing that the state must look after every corner of Estonia.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and the operations of the Legal Affairs Committee. This is particularly evident concerning the amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act, where they reference specific articles of the Constitution and intricate details from the explanatory memorandum. Furthermore, they possess a strong grasp of regional economic data, specifically highlighting disparities in the median wage across Southeast Estonia and analyzing the financial implications of the tax reform for various income brackets. They are capable of providing a detailed account of internal governmental disagreements (for instance, regarding the Competition Act) and summarizing the substance of committee deliberations.

The rhetorical style is twofold: in socio-political issues, it is passionate and critical, accusing opponents of "perverse politics" and hypocrisy. However, as a rapporteur for the Legal Committee, the style is very formal, cautious, and procedural, focusing on legal definitions, committee protocols, and emphasizing consensus. The appeals are primarily logical, relying on both statistics and legal arguments.

The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, raising questions regarding both government policy (the Competition Act, childcare) and the failure to support the Social Democrats' proposed amendments. He/She plays an important role as the rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions and procedural decisions made during the committee's last meeting (June 3).

A strong opposition is directed at the Reform Party-led government due to its unequal tax policy and the severe skewing of regional policy. Furthermore, the Centre Party (Lauri Laats) is sharply criticized for hypocrisy regarding kindergarten placement fees, with critics highlighting their previous failures and omissions while they were in power. The criticism is both political and historical-procedural, accusing opponents of incompetence and exacerbating inequality.

The speaker stresses that the Finance Committee failed to support any of the Social Democrats' proposed amendments, suggesting limited cooperation on economic matters. Conversely, as the rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, emphasis is placed on the consensus-based procedural decisions made to advance the draft bill, demonstrating a willingness for procedural cooperation and the acceptance of the Ministry of the Interior's explanations.

The regional focus is strongly aimed at reducing inequality between Tallinn and other local governments, particularly in Southeast Estonia, where the low median salary (1300–1400 euros) is emphasized. The speaker stressed the importance of the government looking after every part of Estonia, specifically naming Valga, Võru, and Hiiumaa, rather than favoring the capital.

Economic views are strongly focused on reducing income inequality and implementing progressive policies, criticizing the current tax reform as "perverse policy" that widens the gap between the rich (who gain hundreds of euros) and the poor (who receive only a few dozen euros). They support increasing the subsistence allowance and providing free early education to help families across Estonia.

The main social issues are the abolition of kindergarten fees throughout Estonia and the reduction of income inequality. In the security context, the speaker is addressing amendments to the law on religious associations, stressing that the bill aims to prevent hostile influence operations and disinformation that are unrelated to the practice of religion, rather than persecuting any specific faith.

The primary legislative focus centers on amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act (KiKoS). The speaker is acting as the rapporteur, tasked with resolving the constitutional concerns highlighted by the President. He/She supports amendments that clarify specific concepts and extend the deadline for achieving legal compliance. The secondary focus involves amendments submitted by the Social Democrats concerning the waiving of childcare placement fees and the increase of subsistence benefits, for which the speaker is currently seeking support.